Differentiated Instruction (MSEd and Gifted Extension)
Degree: Master of Science in Education
Please note that as of Fall 2023, admission to the Master's program in Differentiated Instruction has been suspended. However, candidates may take coursework for the Gifted Education certification.
Introduction
The Differentiated Instruction graduate program is a rigorous 30-hour program that meets the master’s degree requirement for permanent or professional teacher certification in New York State. The degree also meets the requirements for a certification extension in Gifted Education.
Our mission is to provide a meaningful, hands-on approach to delivering the best pedagogical methods and strategies available in order to meet the diverse needs in the classroom, including the gifted population. Our courses are taught by instructors who are practitioners in the field, who each day integrate the most widely recognized aspects of differentiated instruction into their own classroom. The curriculum is based on the following tenets:
- We believe that all people are creative, with unique gifts to contribute.
- We encourage cultivating habits of mind such as critical thinking and risk-taking through which one can discover and uncover the content.
- We expect the creation of multi-modal products by which students demonstrate their understanding of material.
- We find the above works best when offered in an environment that sparks individual creative spirit and connects people together through collaboration, idea-sharing, openness and trust.
The experience you gain in this program will seamlessly translate into the classroom and beyond, as you go forth in making your mark in differentiating yourself as an educator and change agent in the classroom, school, community and the world.
Curriculum
Program Details
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | ||
| EDDI 500 | Dimensions of Learning | 3 |
| EDDI 505 | Introduction to Differentiated Instruction | 3 |
| EDDI 510 | Introduction to Gifted Education and Collaboration | 3 |
| EDDI 515 | Identification and Assessment of Students in Gifted Education | 3 |
| EDDI 520 | Curriculum Development for Gifted Students | 3 |
| EDDI 600 | Practicum and Seminar in Gifted Education | 3 |
| EDDI 615 | Action Research for a Differentiated Classroom | 3 |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select three of the following (additional courses may be used with prior approval from program director) | 9 | |
| Differentiated Instruction in Mathematics K-12 | ||
| Social and Emotional Issues in Gifted Education | ||
| Enhancing the Differentiated Classroom through Creativity | ||
| Integrating Technology in the Differentiated Classroom | ||
| Human Growth and Development: Middle Childhood | ||
| Cognition, Learning, Assessment and Diagnostic Teaching: Middle Childhood | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Please note, the Differentiated Instruction program curriculum above fulfills the coursework requirements for the certification extension in Gifted Extension. Students interested in that extension must pass the CST exam for New York State certification.
Courses
EDDI 500 Dimensions of Learning 3 Credits
Participants will explore and understand a learning-centered framework for instructional planning. This course translates the latest research on cognition and learning into practical classroom strategies. Participants learn how to help students develop positive attitudes and perceptions about learning, develop habits of mind for critical, creative and self-regulated behaviors, construct meaning for declarative and procedural knowledge and extend and refine knowledge.
Offered: every fall.
EDDI 505 Introduction to Differentiated Instruction 3 Credits
Provides an introduction to the philosophy of differentiation. This course will examine ways that classrooms can effectively support differentiating instruction and assessment to address the complex challenges of meeting the diverse learning needs of all students. Participants will gain an understanding of the reasons and assumptions underlying differentiation and acquire the ability to identify key indicators in a classroom. Knowledge of the characteristics of students who learn at different paces and levels will be developed. Students will study a variety of curriculum options such as those of content and implementation of differentiated lessons that optimize learning for all students, including gifted students and other high-ability learners.
Offered: every fall.
EDDI 510 Introduction to Gifted Education and Collaboration 3 Credits
Participants will explore the history, research, laws and varied philosophies of gifted education. The class will also focus on developing skills in communication and collaboration to individualize instruction for gifted students. Participants will learn how to develop a support system and manage open communication among classroom teachers, special area teachers, administrators, parents and outside agencies.
Offered: every fall.
EDDI 515 Identification and Assessment of Students in Gifted Education 3 Credits
This course will provide an overview of tools and methods for identifying and assessing students who learn at a pace and level that is significantly different from that of their classmates. Assessment tools will be examined, utilized and evaluated. Implications for instruction will be discussed.
Offered: every spring.
EDDI 520 Curriculum Development for Gifted Students 3 Credits
This course focuses on methods of instruction for gifted students. Participants will develop knowledge and skills for planning, providing, coordinating and evaluating differentiated teaching and learning environments to challenge and assist gifted students in learning to their highest levels of achievement. Participants will learn how to develop a layered curriculum in order to maximize each student's growth and individual success. Instructional strategies for differentiating the key elements of content, process and products will be addressed.
Offered: every spring.
EDDI 530 Differentiated Instruction in Mathematics K-12 3 Credits
Differentiating instruction means providing students with options for learning new information, helping them to make sense of ideas and express what they learn. This course will focus on helping the teacher learn approaches for differentiating mathematics instruction in the classroom. Participants will discuss and apply the principles of differentiated instruction to math instruction, learn effective strategies for managing flexible groups, acquire ideas for providing students with a variety of options that successfully target math standards and understand how to plan strategically in order to reach the needs of diverse learners in the classroom.
Offered: every spring.
EDDI 540 Social and Emotional Issues in Gifted Education 3 Credits
This course focuses on social and emotional issues in a differentiated classroom. This course will address issues such as fairness and grading, taking charge of individual learning, developing organization and study skills, procrastination and perfectionism, fear of failure, struggling with appropriately challenging activities, and underachievement behaviors. The role the parent plays in supporting a child in a differentiated classroom will also be explored.
EDDI 575 Enhancing the Differentiated Classroom through Creativity 3 Credits
This course will offer students the opportunity to learn about the field of creativity and current research supporting its value in enhancing the learning environment. Participants will discuss and experience ways to nurture teacher creativity to better prepare them to recognize and support creativity in students. Activities and resources to develop creativity will be explored and evaluated.
Offered: once a year.
EDDI 585 Integrating Technology in the Differentiated Classroom 3 Credits
This course introduces educators to technology that can be used to support, supplement and deliver differentiated content and assessment in the mixed ability classroom. The benefits and challenges of incorporating technology will be considered while participants learn how to integrate technology into their curriculum. Participants will gain hands-on experience using technological strategies for differentiation that will engage learners of all styles, ranging from new uses for basic software applications and online collaboration to the production of multimedia.
Offered: every fall.
EDDI 600 Practicum and Seminar in Gifted Education 3 Credits
This course involves completing a college supervised practicum experience of 50 hours differentiating instruction for all students including gifted students. The practicum is individualized and takes place near the end of the program. Students will have the opportunity to discuss and reflect on the practicum experiences in on-campus seminars.
Corequisite: EDDI 615.
EDDI 615 Action Research for a Differentiated Classroom 3 Credits
Focuses on the study of the background of educational research, understanding research methodologies and designs, tools and techniques of educational research, and the collection, treatment, analysis and interpretation of research data. The student will develop an action research project that will be implemented during the practicum.
Corequisite: EDDI 600.
